Kittencalsperfectpesto Recipes

KITTENCAL'S PERFECT PESTO

Steps:

• Combine the basil, olive oil, pine nuts and garlic cloves in a blender (or food processor).
• Blend until a paste form, stopping often to push down the basil.
• Add in the Parmesan cheese and Kosher salt; blend until smooth.
• Transfer to a bowl.
• NOTE to clean fresh basil leaves; swirl in a bowl of water then spin them very dry in a salad spinner.
• If not using right away store the clean leaves in a sealed plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel, the leaves should keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.

KITTENCAL'S GREEK PASTITSIO

Steps:

• Set oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
• In a large pot cook the pasta in boiling water with 1 tablespoons salt until al dente; drain and return the cooked pasta to the pot.
• To the pasta add in 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, pinch nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; mix until combined then allow to cool slightly.
• Add in eggs and mix well; set aside.
• For the meat sauce; heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat; add in onion and crushed chili flakes, cook for about 4 minutes.
• Add in garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
• Add in extra lean ground beef; cook breaking up the meat with a spoon or fork until browned.
• Add in tomato paste, wine, beef broth, salt and pepper; mix well, then cover and simmer over low heat for about 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile while the meat sauce is cooking prepare the bechamel sauce; melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour and cayenne pepper; cook stirring for about 2 minutes.
• Add in cream and nutmeg; bring to a boil whisking/stirring constantly then cook for about 1 minute.
• Cool for about 10 minutes before whisking in the egg.
• Season with salt and black pepper.
• Remove about 1/2 cup bechamel sauce and mix into to the already cooked ground beef mixture.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• TO ASSEMBLE; spoon HALF of the ziti mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
• Top the ziti mixture with ALL of the meat sauce, then top with remaining ziti mixture.
• Pour ALL the bechamel sauce over the ziti mixture then spread out with a spoon to cover.
• Top with about 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (can use more or less).
• Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until golden brown.
• Allow to rest for about 20 minutes before slicing.

KITTENCAL'S DELICIOUS MEATY PASTA SAUCE

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven heat oil, then add in the basil, oregano, chili flakes, bay leaf and onion; saute, stirring with a wooden spoon for about 4 minutes (this will release the flavors in the spices).
• Add in garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
• Add in tomato paste and cook stirring with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes.
• Add in ground beef and sausage meat; cook until well browned (about 10 minutes) drain any fat.
• Add in the wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring.
• Add in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, mushrooms, sugar, 2 tablespoons salt, Worcestershire sauce; bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer partially covered for about 2 hours (or you can simmer for longer on low heat).
• Season with black pepper.
• Remove the bay leaf and serve over hot cooked pasta then sprinkle with lots grated Parmesan cheese.

KITTY KISSES

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
• Place the cat food and catnip into a blender. Cover, and puree until smooth and looks a little like frosting. Spoon pureed cat food into a resealable plastic bag. Cut a small hole in the corner of the bag.
• Squeeze 1/2 inch kisses onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake 15 minutes. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

KITTENCAL'S SIMPLY PERFECT WHIPPED CREAM

Steps:

• Place your beaters and bowl in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes.
• Pour the whipping cream into the cold bowl and beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
• Add in the powdered sugar, pinch cornstarch and vanilla (if using) continue beating until stiff peaks form (do not overbeat).

KITTENCAL'S CREPES

Steps:

• Place the dry ingredients in a food processor and blend for a couple of seconds.
• Add in all remaining ingredients; blend to make a thin batter (about 15 seconds).
• Let batter sit on counter for 15-20 minutes.
• Rub about about 2-4 tablespoons soft butter in a pan (I use a crepe pan for this, but any small size non-stick frypan will do) with a brush or paper towel.
• Heat the pan.
• Pour about 1/4 cup batter in hot pan and swirl pan around to make sure that the batter is evenly around the pan.
• Cook until bottom browns, then turn over and brown the other side.
• Keep crepes warm in a dish covered with foil.

KITTENCAL'S CHICKEN PARMESAN (LOW-FAT AND DELICIOUS!)

Steps:

• Set oven to 350 degrees F (oven rack set to lowest position).
• Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• Place the breasts between two sheets of waxed paper, then using a mallet pound until almost half the thickness (do not pound to very thin).
• In a shallow dish combine dry breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, parsley, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt and black pepper.
• Place the flour in another shallow bowl or on a plate.
• Place the egg in a bowl and lighty beat (you should have 3 separate bowls).
• Firstly dredge the chicken in the flour, then dip into egg, lastly coat in the breadcrumb mixture pressing down with hands to adhear the mixture firmly to the chicken.
• Spray a non-stick skillet with vegetable spray or lightly brush with a little olive oil.
• Add in the breasts one or two at a time and lightly brown on both sides (about 3 minutes per side, do not cook through completely) transfer to prepared baking dish.
• Drizzle the marinara sauce over the top and around each breast (there should be some sauce between each piece of chicken).
• If you are using the mozzarella cheese sprinkle over the top and around all the chicken.
• Top with about 1/4 to 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese.
• Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (cooking time should take no more than 30 minutes or the chicken will be dry).
• TO SERVE; slide a wide spatula underneath the breast/s along with some sauce and cheese that is left in the baking dish.